Food and Nutrition Commission

The Saint Paul - Ramsey County Food and Nutrition Commission is a forum for public and private stakeholders to assess how local food systems are operating and suggest policies, share information and plan for increased access to safe, affordable and nutritious foods. The Commission will create an action plan laying out a comprehensive vision of Ramsey County's future in terms of access to healthier foods and sustainable local food systems for food production, distribution and consumption. Some of the issues to be considered could be hunger, nutrition, foods available for in-home and away-from-home consumption, food-related illnesses, culturally specific food availability, economic development in the food arena, community and backyard gardening, locally grown food, farmers markets, transportation for distributing and obtaining food, and environmental concerns related to food systems.

Food Justice Advocacy GuideThe Saint Paul – Ramsey County Food and Nutrition Commission believes that future policy makers and community leaders in Minnesota who understand the importance of food to our state and local communities are critical to achieving a diverse and just food system that eliminates hunger, increases access to nutritious food, and improves the health of all Minnesotans. This effort outlines questions aimed to raise awareness and promote public discourse around the many issues affecting Minnesota’s food system. Issues such as food security, hunger, nutrition, health, food assistance, farming, gardening, processing, farmer’s markets, food hubs, food waste and more! Just Food Voters Guide (pdf) | 2014 Voting Guide (pdf)

2012 Report: System RecommendationsIn order to fulfill its vision and mission, the FNC set up a process to develop a set of recommendations for the City of Saint Paul and Ramsey County to help in developing the local food system. The commission established five task-forces: Urban Agriculture, Economic Development, Infrastructure, Food Access, and Food Literacy. Over 130 community members participated in these working groups, with each task force producing a set of priorities and recommendations to be considered by the commission as a whole. From these recommendations, the commission developed a broader set of Food System Recommendations. 2012 Report (pdf)

Opinion Survey - 2011 State FairMinnesotans think that coupons and price discounts for healthy foods and more healthy choices at restaurants and fast food outlets would help them eat more healthfully. These were the top two choices of almost 1200 adults who participated in an opinion survey at the Minnesota State Fair by the Saint Paul – Ramsey County Food and Nutrition Commission. The survey was conducted on Saturday, Sept. 3, by inviting passersby in the Eco Experience Building to participate. Other top choices were learning to prepare healthy food, more nearby farmers’ markets and buying direct from a farmer (such as a community supported agriculture subscription). Results of Opinion Survey (pdf)

Community InputWhat are your thoughts about the food issues and needs in your neighborhood? The Saint Paul - Ramsey County Food and Nutrition Commission wants to know. Please e-mail your comments to SHIP@co.ramsey.mn.us.

Expertise Wanted from the CommunityThe Food and Nutrition Commission is seeking volunteers from our diverse communities to bring experience and/or expertise to five task forces (Food Access, Urban Agriculture, Food Literacy, Food Infrastructure, Economic Development). The task forces will develop a set of recommendations to ensure that residents of Ramsey County have the best possible environment to obtain adequate amounts of healthful food produced in a sustainable way. Task Force Descriptions (pdf) | Sign up

Membership14 members. 7 are appointed by the City and 7 are appointed by the County. Individuals should have experience related to local food systems such as farmers, employees or volunteers of food banks and food shelves, retail grocers, food wholesalers, restaurant owners or managers, community gardeners, consumers from areas lacking adequate food access, food or agricultural economist, representatives from religious organizations interested in hunger, health professionals, school and local officials.

City, County Unveil New Food and Nutrition CommissionA news release written by the City of Saint Paul announcing the formation of a new joint Saint Paul - Ramsey County Food Nutrition Commission. The commission is designed to be a forum for public and private stakeholders to assess the operation of local food systems.